Popular questions

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My dodge 2010 grand caravan is making a loud whining noise, I'm sure its the transmission after doing research, do you think this can be fixed without replacing it?
Hello. In order to determine if the transmission needs to be replaced, a proper diagnosis would be required. Even if the whining noise sounds similar to that in the video, it can still be possible that the issue is caused...
Question
I would like to know why my rear end shakes really bad at 55 mph
Hello, thank you for writing in. The vehicle is likely having an issue with the tires or suspension. Typically you start by testing the simpler possibilities and work your way to the more complicated fixes. With that said, one of...
Question
P0101 MAF Sensor
Hi there. Typically, a P0101 (mass airflow sensor circuit/range performance) code can be resolved by cleaning the heated wire. Aftermarket air intake systems and poorly sealed factory air filters can contaminate the heated wire of the MAF. The engineers designed...
Question
2005 Honda CR-V: Oil or VSA problem
Hi Brad. Thanks for sending the question today. I think you might want to read this article about the P-2646 OBD-II trouble code, as there are several possible sources and repair solutions. Most of the time, the issue is not...
Question
limp mode
This problem may be a wire connection or TCM or PCM issue. The first thing that has to be done is to get communication with the TCM. The different computers communicate all to the engine computer and then to the...
Question
Check engine light comes on when accelerating hard in first gear
Hi Laura, welcome to YourMechanic and thanks for writing in. I'd be happy to help. This could be potentially a faulty mass airflow sensor which is something that regulates air intake into the engine, and relays this info to the...
Question
2005 Kia Sorento EX 3.5L eng. Problem: coolant leaking below the air intake. I replaced the "O" rings on large and small water
Hi there. The best way to pinpoint any coolant leak is to complete a pressure test of the system. Eric the Car Guy on YouTube.com has a pretty good video on how this is done.
Question
Thermostat leaking coolant
Hello, the coolant leak will need to be repaired sooner rather than later to avoid overheating and engine damage. I would say that you have a leaking heater core based on a coolant leak and a mist from the vents....
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How do I know if it is the Water Pump or thermostat that needs replacing?
In your question, you have not stated the "fault" you are experiencing, consequently I will assume it is overheating. If not, please write back in with clarification so that we can best assist you. There are a myriad of causes...
Question
Car stalls and shoots white smoke/ smell of gas in car, jerking when accelerating, losing power at idle, no check engine light
Hi Jacolby. Thanks for contacting us today. There are a few possible sources of your problem, but in most cases, white smoke is an indication of a blown head gasket. This can also be the reason for the lack of...
Question
Throttle Body Relearning
The only addition to the steps you will need to after reconnecting the battery you should turn the key on without starting it and wait for about 30 seconds then start engine and let idle for 10 minutes. Then drive...
Question
How to safely lift my vehicle
Hello. The jacking points on your vehicle should be marked by a triangle on the side of the pinch weld pointing down. You place the jack right underneath the pinch weld to lift up the vehicle. The lifting points should...
Question
how long can it take to change valve cover gaskets on 2003 Lincoln aviator 4.6litre
Hi there. The book time calls for approximately 3.5 hours to complete the replacement of both valve cover gaskets. But this will vary by mechanic, but this is the average book time. If you need to have them replaced, consider...
Question
Can a 42re transmission hook up to a 5.9 L Magnum gas engine
The 42RE will "fit" but it is definitely not a "direct" fit as in a catalog interchange. The 42RE is a light duty vehicle transmission and thus the torque rating (power handling capability) is lower than that of the 46RE....
Question
Check engine light and temporary loss of steering/accelerator
Hello. The symptoms you describe can be caused by different things. Both the throttle and steering on your vehicle are electronically controlled, and can have problems if any of the components to these systems have issues. If the throttle body...
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My temperature gauge is fluctuating and my car is not putting out heat anymore, I tried putting coolant in it and there are no leaks.
Hi there. Check the coolant temperature sensor and see if it has a loose connection on the wiring harness. This will cause the gauge to fluctuate up and down as the engine is running. For the heater not working, check...
Question
2012 vw passat oil pressure light came on checked oil full, still comes on
I believe you may be having a problem with your oil pressure sending unit. This is the part that is responsible for sending a signal to your oil pressure light. If no pressure is sensed by the sending unit, the...
Question
I have a 2007 lexus is250. I got an oil change 3 weeks ago. A few days ago it showed a low engine oil warning on the dash so I dec
Check the engine oil level using the dipstick. If the level on the dipstick is below the add level, or if no oil appears on the dipstick, add enough oil to bring the level to the full mark on the...
Question
What does the hill-start assist control system do?
The hill-start control system is designed to help keep you from rolling backward when you stop and then start again on a hill, or you’re driving in slippery conditions on a slope. Anyone who’s ever felt their stomach lurch as...
Question
Check engine light and grinding noise when turning left
Hello. You appear to have a number of issues going on here. The grinding is more than likely from the brakes so the vehicle needs to be put in the air and the brakes inspected. As for the steering problem,...
Question
P2160 code caused check engine light to turn on. Truck is running fine
Hi there. If the code cleared, it's possible that the source of the code is actually the wiring harness attached to the speed sensor. If the light comes back on, you might want to have a professional mechanic come to...
Question
The car idles rough and is shooting out codes p0017, p0016.
Hi, from what you’ve described and the nature of the two codes, it sounds like a timing problem. It’s possible that the timing chain has stretched, the timing chain tensioner needs to be replaced, a timing chain guide has slipped...
Question
Check engine light is on. I took it to AutoZone and told me it is the code P0401. Is it safe to drive until next week?
Hi There, Code P0401 relates to the EGR valve flow. When this code is triggered, the computer has detected that the flow is insufficient. Driving the car until next week will not cause any harm, although the vehicle may not...
Question
abs light stays on and transmission shifts hard and idles eratically
Hey there. The ABS light and transmission shift problems may be from the speed sensor in the rear end is not reading correctly or the rear end has worn carrier bearings. You should have the ABS tested and codes diagnosed....
Question
2008 Buick Enclave engine light on with code p1682 and car stays running with key off for while then dies, ECM is humming,
Code P1682 sets if the ECM detects a difference in the voltage levels of the two main power inputs to the ECM. Basically, the code will be stored when one voltage input has a significantly different value than the other...